Christine Hartmann

Christine Hartmann

Years with company: Ten years in academia; over 25 years in leadership positions with Campbell Soup, Nielsen, Weaver, Ore-ida and Scott Paper

Education degrees and professional/volunteer organizations:

B.A. University of Albany, Magna Cum Laude

M.B.A. Widener University, Signum Laudis

Founding Member & former Regional Officer of the Philadelphia Chapter of NEW

Past President & Board Member of the Irish American Business Chamber & Network

Served on the Category Management Association’s University Advisory Council

Board Member of the Philadelphia Irish Charity

Contributor to the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Marketing Association

Mentors and how have they assisted you in your career: My parents served as my first mentors as they modeled the values of hard work, perseverance and the joy of accomplishment in their daily lives. In my professional career, I owe much to three mentors. In my very first job in sales at Scott Paper, my first mentor was John Panarese. John, who had more confidence in me than I may have had in myself, provided me with many opportunities for growth. At Campbell Soup, I was fortunate to have Kathleen MacDonnell as my boss, a demanding leader who inspired me every day to do a little more, a little better. Sadly, she passed away. In my transition from corporate to academia, I was encouraged and supported by the wisdom and wit of Dr. Rich George, a 40 year veteran of Saint Joseph’s University.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date? I am most proud of the times when my teams broke through paradigms, uncovered significant business opportunities and transformed ideas into commercial successes that were recognized externally. I was honored to address industry audiences about these initiatives at major conferences such as FMI, CMA and the Global Retailing Symposium in Paris.

My defining moment was when I chose to enter the food industry immediately after graduating from college. I had two job offers, one with Scott Paper selling toilet tissue to supermarkets in Brooklyn and the other planning conventions in Bermuda for the American Writers Guild. I chose the former…which only goes to prove you have to be a little crazy to love this industry!

Most challenging part of your job: Finding that elusive work/life balance.

Advice for upcoming younger executives: Build a strong network of colleagues who are friends. When I look back at a career of nearly 40 years, I cherish my professional friendships — people who are there for each other in great times, difficult times, all the time. I am blessed with friendships that have thrived over decades, friends like Maria Machita, Gary Finn, Roberta Kitchenoff, Nancy Krawczyk, and Bob Higgins.

Women of Influence

Women of Influence in the Food Industry is brought to you by The Griffin Report, and is supported by individuals and companies throughout the food industry who understand the importance of recognizing achievement and innovation. Sponsors are welcomed to help continue and support the mission of Women of Influence in the Food Industry.